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The Best Apple Butter Recipe

As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through the picturesque landscapes of New England, it’s time to indulge in the delicious tastes of the season. While pumpkin may steal the limelight during this time of year, there’s something undeniably comforting about the sweet and tangy allure of apples. From their vibrant hues to their heavenly aroma, apples embody the essence of fall like no other.

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Refreshing Summer Salad Recipes

Summer is here, and with the scorching heat comes the desire for something refreshing to eat. Salads are a perfect choice for a light and healthy summer meal, but often times, they can become a little monotonous. However, with a little creativity and some fresh ingredients, your salads can turn into a delicious and flavorful meal. In this blog post, we will share some of our favorite summer salad recipes that will not only satisfy your taste buds but will keep you cool all season long! My favorite summer salad is a delicious and flavorful creation that I threw together a few years ago. It’s perfect for using up any leftover ingredients from pool parties or barbecues, and it always leaves my guests wanting more! The combination of fresh vegetables, with mixed grilled toppings makes this salad an easy go-to for every summer gathering. Not only does it taste great but the colorful presentation also makes it look beautiful on the table! So, if you’re looking for a loaded summer salad that will tantalize your taste buds with all the grilled flavors of summer and satisfy your appetite, look no further than my “Grilled Chicken BLT + Everything Salad”! Alright, the name needs some work but the salad itself is perfection. It is the perfect way to use up all the leftovers from the day, such as grilled chicken, bacon, and corn on the cob. I tossed it with some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado. The combination of flavors is simply amazing – smoky bacon combined with juicy chicken pieces mixed in a creamy dressing creates an unforgettable flavor experience. The best part is that it is completely customizable with whatever you have on the grill and preferences. Kitchen Hack For Cutting Grilled Corn Off The Cob! Place the cooled corn in the center of a bundt pan. It should stand on its own. Hold the top of the corn for extra stability and glide a knife down the cob, making sure to cut as close to the cob as possible. Here is a visual guide (this was from my elote street corn nacho recipe). Italian Chopped Salad https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/italian-chopped-salad/ Grilled Peach Salad https://kaleforniakravings.com/grilled-plumcot-kale-salad-with-cinnamon-candied-nuts/ Shrimp + Artichoke Salad https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/shrimp-artichoke-green-salad-with-lemon-vinaigrette/ Peach + Blueberry Kale Salad https://kaleforniakravings.com/summer-peach-and-blueberry-kale-salad/ No Lettuce Salads Grilled Summer Vegetable Salad https://www.afamilyfeast.com/grilled-summer-vegetable-salad/ Chickpea Salad https://peasandcrayons.com/2012/05/greek-chickpea-salad.html Black Bean + Mango Salad https://kaleforniakravings.com/black-bean-mango-avocado-salad/ Classic Tomato + Cucumber Salad https://kristineskitchenblog.com/cucumber-tomato-salad/ More Inspiration for Summer Salads Fruit, Pasta + Green Salad Compilation https://carlsbadcravings.com/summer-salad-recipes/ Potluck Salad Recipes https://kaleforniakravings.com/the-best-potluck-salad-recipes/ Best Summer Salads https://ahundredaffections.com/best-most-refreshing-summer-salads/ Summer is here, and we all crave something refreshing and light. These salads with fresh, seasonal produce will not only satisfy your cravings but also keep you hydrated and healthy all season long. Give these summer salad recipes a try and take your taste buds on an adventure! Enjoy 🙂

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Summer Block Party Recipes

Summer is here, which means it’s time for outdoor parties. Whether you’re throwing a bash for your kids or inviting your friends over for a dip, the right food can make or break your party. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this ultimate guide, we will be sharing some mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for a summer pool party. From salads to chicken dishes to refreshing drinks, we’ve got you covered. Grilled Chicken Fajita Skewers: Grilled chicken fajita skewers are not only easy to make, but they are tasty too. Cut boneless chicken breasts into cubes, and season them with fajita seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil. Skewer the chicken, together with peppers and onions. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Serve by themselves, over a salad or with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. Watermelon and Feta Salad: Summer is not complete without a refreshing salad, and this watermelon and feta salad is sure to impress. Toss together diced watermelon, crumbled feta, mint leaves, diced red onion, and a balsamic glaze. I like to add cucumbers from the garden as well. Serve chilled, and savor the sweet and salty combination. Grilled Shrimp Skewers Macaroni Salad: Macaroni salad is a classic dish that is perfect to serve during a summer pool party. Now I know everyone has their own version of macaroni salad, but here are a few variations that have been well received at gatherings (especially with kids!) Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, and rinse with cold water. Toss together cooked macaroni with chopped canned tuna fish. Mix in mayonnaise dressing and chill for at least an hour before serving. Salt + Pepper generously. Celery and/or peas can also be added depending on your guests preference. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, and rinse with cold water. Toss together cooked macaroni with cubed/diced cheddar cheese, salami or pepperoni, and sliced black olives. Toss with Italian dressing and chill at least an hour before serving. Here is another, highly rated, macaroni salad recipe: https://heartscontentfarmhouse.com/grandmas-macaroni-salad/ Refreshing Mint Lemonade Need more inspiration? Check out these links for more outdoor summer bbq fare: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g31/best-grilling-recipes/ https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/g582/memorial-day-snacks-dinner-dessert-recipes/?slide=6 Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a block or pool party. With these delicious recipes, you can make sure your outdoor gathering will be an unforgettable one! From grilled chicken fajita skewers to refreshing mint lemonade, these easy-to-make dishes are sure to please any crowd. Enjoy 🙂

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A Guide to Watermelons

Summer is finally here, and nothing screams summer more than a refreshing slice of juicy watermelon. Not only is watermelon delicious, but it is also incredibly nutritious, making it the perfect snack for hot summer days. However, cutting, storing, and serving watermelon can be tricky, leading to a lot of wasted fruit. In this ultimate guide to watermelons, we will be sharing how to cut them, store them, and some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that you get the most out of your watermelon this summer. At the end, you will find a bonus recipe for watermelon dog treats. When it comes to summertime snacks, nothing beats a fresh, juicy watermelon. Not only is it incredibly delicious and refreshing, but it’s also highly nutritious – making it the perfect snack for hot summer days. But when you have family over or are looking to serve watermelon at a party, cutting the fruit can be tricky. That’s why in this guide I’ll be sharing my favorite way of slicing a watermelon when the family is over along with helpful tips and tricks on how to store your melon so that you get the most out of your fruit this summer. Cutting Watermelon: There are so many different ways to cut a watermelon and everyone’s preference is different. Whether you like your slices thick or thin, in cubes or wedges, it’s important to choose the right method for cutting to ensure that you get the most out of your fruit. Here is my go-to, quick and easily slicing method for an outdoor party with kids …and bees! Begin by washing the watermelon and placing it on a stable cutting board. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise. You can cut off both ends to create a flat surface on both sides and stand it upright to slice it in half from top to bottom- I prefer having it lying down on the board like pictured. Now take one half and place is fruit side down on the board. Slice into 3 aiming the knife toward the middle to form wedges. Slice each wedge to desired thickness. Insert a wooden popsicle stick into the green part of the watermelon and serve. This method has always been a quick and consistent solution for parties. Check out some other fun ways to slice and dice. Storing Watermelon: Storing watermelon properly can make a huge difference in how long it stays juicy and fresh. If you’ve cut your watermelon and want to store the remaining unused fruit, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. An alternative storage solution is to cut the watermelon slices into smaller pieces and store them in an airtight container before putting them in the fridge. Helpful Tips and Tricks: Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your watermelons: Choose a ripe and juicy watermelon. The best way to tell whether a watermelon is ripe is to look for a yellow spot on the bottom. If it’s uniform and yellow, it’s ready to eat. Experiment with different ways of serving watermelon. Instead of just slicing it up, try cutting it into fun shapes or using a melon baller to make it into bite-sized pieces. If you have a lot of watermelon on your hands and don’t want it to go to waste, consider freezing it. Cut the watermelon into small pieces and freeze it for a delicious and healthy summer snack. Watermelon Dog Treat Recipe: If you’re looking for a fun and healthy treat to make for your furry friend, try out this watermelon dog treat recipe. Ingredients: 2 cups fresh watermelon 1 tsp. honey 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves Instructions: Blend the watermelon in a blender until smooth. Add honey and Greek yogurt and blend again until combined. Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray. Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top of each cube. Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid. Pop the treats out of the ice cube tray and let your dog enjoy! Now that you know how to cut, store, and serve watermelon properly, you can enjoy this refreshing summer fruit to the fullest. From experimenting with different shapes and serving suggestions, to freezing it and making it into delicious dog treats, there are so many fun and creative ways to enjoy watermelons. And before we wrap up, here’s a fun fact and a joke about watermelons: Did you know that watermelons are over 90% water? Why did the watermelon go to the doctor? Because it was feeling a little seedy. Happy summer, folks!

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Lemon Pepper Sauce

The sunny days of summer call for light and zesty flavors that complement the warm weather. One such summer taste is lemon pepper sauce, a thin, buttery sauce that can be drizzled over roasted veggies, seafood, chicken wings, and pasta. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying an outdoor picnic, or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this sauce will add a burst of flavor that’s sure to delight your taste buds. I want share my simple yet delicious recipe for lemon pepper sauce that you can whip up in minutes. Lemon pepper sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to any summer meal. This easy recipe takes just minutes to make and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes. Give this recipe a try for a burst of zesty flavor that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!

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